Monday, January 21, 2013

Two weeks ago I made my 2nd recent trip to
Pennhurst Asylum. While the campus is huge, most of the buildings
are off limits due to asbestos or other hazards. Currently the site is
used as a mulch facility, haunted house and paranormal tours. Only
recently has the owner been open to photography tours. The scene above is
the raised sidewalks that connect most of the buildings. Under the sidewalks
are tunnels, but we did not have access to them this time.

Monday, January 14, 2013

After I finished editing and processing this picture I
realized how my emotions influence my work. Suffice it to say that
today I was not in one of my better moods. Thus I think I ended up
with a picture that perhaps conveys a sense of my mood. Some
will just see an old car, but I think others might sense just a bit more.

Friday, January 4, 2013

A couple of years ago I was shooting at Lorton Prison with
Corey Hilz and a couple other friends and just before our time was up, Corey
found this picture of an American flag inside one of the maximum security
cells. On my next trip to Lorton I made sure to find this cell.
On the inside of some of the cells you find a variety of drawings, posters
and such that perhaps provide a little insight into the former residents.
Finding an American flag in a place like this is a favorite of mine.

A few years ago access to Lorton was limited to a select few,
not because of any arrangement, because it takes time to navigate the necessary
channels. Well now the secret is out an a number of photo clubs and
groups have been shooting this place for the last year. So last fall I
was looking for this cell to work on this shot once more. I was certain I
was in the right area, but this cell eluded me. Then I found that someone
had shut the locker door so the flag was not exposed. I’ll never know for
sure, but I suspect it was another photographer that thought they had found
something unique and by closing the door would deprive others of getting the
shot.